Forms: 4–5 tute(n, 7– tout. [ME. tūte-n, pointing to an OE. *tútian, synonymous with OE. tótian, TOOT v.1, and OE. týtan:—*tûtjan. (For etymological relations, and cognate words in the other Germanic langs., see under TOOT v.1) As used in ME., tūte-n was identical in sense with tōten, TOOT v.1, sense 2; the two forms occur even as textual variants: see the first quotation in sense 1. The mod.Eng. form tout was in use before 1700 as a cant or slang word, whence the later sense-development, which has differentiated the word from TOOT.]
† 1. intr. To peep, peer, look out; to gaze; = TOOT v.1 2. Obs.
a. 1400–50. Alexander, 694 (Ashmole). Anec[tanabus] … treyned doune fra þe toure to tute in þe sternes [Dubl. MS., to tote on þe sternes]. Ibid., 4776 (Ashm.). Þe kyng in his caban with his kniȝtis he ligis, Tutand out of his tents.
a. 1603. T. Cartwright, Confut. Rhem. N. T. (1618), 192. Dare you also affirme, that the soules in hell haue the same knowledge, by touting into the diuell?
1676. Coles, Dict., Tout, to look out or upon.
b. To keep a sharp look-out or watch; to take heed; to be on the look-out. Thieves’ cant.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Tout, to look out Sharp, to be upon one’s Guard.
1728. [De Foe], Street Robberies Consider’d, Tout, take heed.
2. trans. To watch, spy on. slang.
a. 1700. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, Tout the Culls, Eye those folks which way they take.
1812. J. H. Vaux, Flash Dict., Tout, to tout a person, is to watch his motions.
1832. Examiner, 67/1. Two of them were sent forward … in disguise, to tout (watch) the door of the house.
1870. Sat. Rev., 2 April, 445. But … the Prince of Wales is touted, Mr. Gladstone is touted, their minutest actions are eagerly watched and regularly reported; why should not we be allowed to procure similar information about race-horses?
b. To watch furtively or spy upon (a race-horse or his trainer) with a view to using or disposing of the information for betting purposes.
1812. Sporting Mag., XXXIX. 283. He made it his business to be at the Wheat Sheaf public-house … to tout Mr. Prince, who had the mare under his training.
1870. Sat. Rev., 2 April, 445. The touting of race-horses is practised, not to gratify curiosity, but as an aid to gambling.
1894. M. H. Hayes, Men & Horses, vi. (ed. 2), 94. With the fear of being touted ever on them, the Newmarket trainers are … shy of strangers.
1895. Westm. Gaz., 2 Oct., 7/3. One of the most assiduously ‘touted’ animals at Newmarket during the last fortnight has been M. Aumont’s Dormeuse.
3. intr. To look out busily for customers; to solicit custom, employment, etc. importunately; also, Colonial and U.S., to canvass for votes.
1731–54. [see TOUTING, TOUTER 1].
1837. Dickens, Pickw., x. Doctors’ Commons…. Two porters … as touts for licences…. Two coves in vhite aprons—touches their hats ven you walk in—‘Licence, sir, licence?’
1847. Alb. Smith, Chr. Tadpole, xix. He used to go backwards and forwards … to tout for customers.
1857. Kingsley, Two Y. Ago, x. I am to tout for introductions for you?
1869. Rogers, Hist. Gleanings (1870), II. 200. Before Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act, a particular class of clergymen, not … in very good repute, touted for marriage-fees.
1881. Nation (N. Y.), XXXII. 397. It has never occurred to him that people would be shocked by seeing him ‘tout’ at Albany.
1891. Melbourne Argus, 28 Sept. He should have gone round cap in hand and touted for votes.
1898. J. Hollingshead, Gaiety Chron., ii. 119. The same way as postmen tout for Christmas boxes.
Hence Touted, Touting ppl. adjs.
1812. Sporting Mag., XXXIX. 283. An object worthy the consideration of the touting firm.
1895. [see 2 b].
